Between her six years as team lead for the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program and more than two decades of nursing experience, Jane Lewis is creating a safe space for individuals by leading with compassion.
Credit
Matthew Manor/KHSC
Trigger warning: This post contains information about sexual assault and violence.
“How can I help?”
It’s one of the first questions team lead Jane Lewis asks individuals who turn to the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) for support.
“Our program creates a safe space by having open and transparent conversations with clients and allowing them to select what options for care best meet their needs,” explains Lewis. “We provide medical assessments, forensic evidence collection, acute post-event counselling services, and referrals to local agencies for support unique to individual needs.”
Lewis truly is the go to person for the program.
Not only is she the medical forensic subject matter expert when it comes to various types of assault, but she’s also a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience, which includes leading with compassion.
“Our team does extensive training and re-training in trauma-informed care. We talk about difficult topics with vulnerable individuals in a non-judgemental way that supports their decisions.
“I’m extremely proud of the care we provide. Our care is led by the individual and the team guides them to ensure maximum options are presented for their healing journey. Everyone's experience is different. Therefore, needs for recovery are different.
"It’s also a personal choice if they want to participate in the program, not everyone needs or wants our services following an event.”
Lewis is not only making a difference at KHSC, but she’s also sharing her expertise at the provincial level through the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres, and teaching aspiring nurses.
“Interpersonal violence is a world-wide epidemic. By having a team of specially trained care providers that understand the symptomology and presentations of this epidemic, it gives individuals experiencing violence validation and acknowledgement, along with appropriate health-care options.
“It's all about an individual's right to regain the power and control they may have lost as a result of the violence. Our program is here whenever someone is ready to explore these options.”
And when they are, Lewis will be there to start the conversation with four simple yet powerful words.
“How can I help?”
Click here to learn more about the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program at KHSC.
Gallery
Between her six years as team lead for the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program and more than two decades of nursing experience, Jane Lewis is creating a safe space for individuals by leading with compassion.
